Mass Exodus as Congress Leaders Quit in Karbi Anglong
More than 150 members of the Congress have resigned in East Karbi Anglong. The move has created a major shock for the party ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The dramatic exit took place on December 4 at the KASA Stadium in Diphu. Moreover, the leaders said they had lost confidence in the district leadership and no longer saw hope in the current direction of the party.
The disgruntled members raised slogans against the district committee and marched to the Congress office. They then handed in their collective resignations. Their departure spans every level of the party structure. It includes office-bearers, block leaders, mandal members, and grassroots workers. This scale of desertion signals a deep crisis in the Congress unit in the hill region.
Sources close to the situation said that the entire group is expected to join the BJP. This move may boost the saffron party in the politically sensitive autonomous council area. Additionally, observers note that the region has seen rising support for the BJP in the past few years. Therefore, this mass defection could shift the political balance further.
Second Wave of Resignations Reveals Ongoing Crisis
This is the second major walkout from the Congress in Karbi Anglong in recent weeks. Earlier, leaders from West Karbi Anglong also resigned in large numbers. Together, the two waves indicate an organisational breakdown across the Sixth Schedule districts.
Political analysts say the Congress once held strong influence in the hill areas. However, the party now appears to be losing ground quickly. The rebels accused the leadership of ignoring local issues. They also claimed that the party has grown disconnected from its workers. Many said their voices were not heard by the district president.
Meanwhile, the Congress high command in Guwahati has not issued a detailed statement. Some local leaders dismissed the walkout and claimed the defectors had only “come to show their faces.” However, analysts say the repeated departures suggest deeper problems. They add that the party must act soon if it hopes to regain relevance before the 2026 elections.
The BJP, on the other hand, may gain a stronger base in the region. Moreover, the party has been working to expand support in tribal areas. The influx of experienced Congress workers could strengthen booth-level organisation. This may give the BJP a strategic advantage during the polls.
Congress Faces Tough Road Ahead of 2026 Elections
The resignations have fuelled speculation about the Congress’s future in the Sixth Schedule areas. Many believe the party may suffer one of its worst performances in the region. The mass exits show a lack of unity and a lack of strategy at the local level.
The developments in Karbi Anglong also highlight the growing pressure on the party statewide. With only months left before the polls, Congress leaders face an uphill task. They must rebuild trust among workers. They must also address internal divisions. Moreover, they need to present a clear political plan for the hill districts.
The timing of the exits is also notable. The BJP has increased outreach programmes in the area. The party hopes to consolidate tribal votes. Therefore, the addition of over 150 former Congress leaders could accelerate this momentum.
Residents of the district are watching the situation closely. Many say the political scene has become more unpredictable. They expect more shifts as the election draws near. Some workers also fear that more leaders may leave if the Congress leadership does not address the crisis soon.
As the state prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections, the political landscape in Karbi Anglong stands at a turning point. The large-scale departure may reshape alliances and voting patterns in the months ahead.